Recipe: Fudge Pecan Cake with Easy Marshmallow Creme Frosting (13x9-inch)

FUDGE PECAN CAKE WITH CREAMY CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Marshmallow creme and chocolate chips are spread over the hot cake to make a creamy chocolate frosting!

1/2 teaspoon plus 3/4 cup Mazola Corn Oil, divided use
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon Spice Islands Pure Vanilla Extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon Argo Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12 ounces) miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided use
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in small skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat; set aside to cool.

Beat brown sugar, sugar and eggs together in large bowl of electric mixer until thick and light colored, about 2 to 3 minutes. Blend in the remaining 3/4 cup oil, applesauce, buttermilk and vanilla; set aside.

Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Stir into sugar mixture.

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the mini chocolate chips and toasted pecans. Spread batter in prepared pan.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick in center comes out nearly clean. Do not overbake.

Remove from oven; immediately drop spoonfuls of marshmallow creme on top of cake. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate morsels. Cover cake with a baking sheet; let stand 2 minutes.

Remove baking sheet; swirl marshmallow creme and chocolate together, spreading evenly over cake. Cool completely on wire rack. Chill 5 minutes before serving for easier cutting.

REDUCED FAT VARIATION: To reduce fat and calories, decrease oil to 1/2 cup and increase applesauce to 1/2 cup; use 3 eggs and 2 egg whites in place of the 4 eggs.

Makes 1 (13x9-inch) cake, 16 servings
Source: Mazola Oil, ACH Food Companies, Inc.